The Witches Tarot Book (Llewellyn’s Modern Witchcraft)

Here is Ellen Cannon Reed’s clear and concise companion to The Witches Tarot, an innovative deck that blends Qabalistic symbolism with modern Pagan beliefs. This book provides the symbolism of the cards; divinatory meaning of the cards; associations of cards with letters, astrology, color, scent, gem, Qabalistic path; and more! Also included are sample tarot readings and spreads.

CD Treasure Chest Includes: In depth descritions of the Major Arcana into physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Explanations of reversed meaning of the cards. Astrological perspectives and interpretations of each card. Yes/No/Maybe positions of the cards to quickly interpret an answer for the reader. Spreads with which to work and explore the Tarot are included in the insert.

I’ve heard about this deck for years, and finally picked it up in a store. I’d heard it was strongly connected with the Qabalah, which I knew almost nothing of–and so hit my first stumbling block with using this deck.

If a reader does *not* have at least an elementary grasp of what the Qabalah is and its very basic symbolism, most of the imagery of these cards will be difficult to interpret. Many, many of the cards feature a large, solid-color half-circle image that takes up a lot of room on the card, a baffling image (I know one person who thought it was a printing error) unless one knows these half-and-quarter circles are supposed to represent specific sephiroth on the Tree of Life (according to color, etc.) Without this knowledge, there is an entire level of meaning that is inaccessible to the reader (and thus, the querent).

I have no quibble with “switching out” certain cards, like The Devil, for more “Pagan-friendly” images, or moving away from the “One True Interpretation” as set out by the Rider-Waite and Waite-derived decks. Anyone who’s done readings for others knows the frustration and disruption that result when one has to calm a client when The Devil or Death or similar “spooky” cards appear. The problem isn’t entirely removed by using this deck, but as The Devil is one of the big trigger cards for such a reaction, I’m not sorry to see it reworked to fit into this particular paradigm.

Though I have been reading cards for well over a decade now, I always thumb through the book/booklet included–one can often learn interesting Tarot minutae or new spreads or philosophies about the cards, often specifically related to a particular deck. It never hurts to know the designer’s intentions/focus for a deck, and can prevent that nasty disconnected feeling when symbols differ from expected. So I knew before I laid out the first spread that the court cards, unlike traditional Tarot, were never meant to be read individually with this deck. They’re more like “lens” cards, focusing energy in a particular way towards the secondary card that should be laid out next to it.

While I enjoy vibrant, somewhat fey-seeming art with my cards (such as the Sacred Rose deck or the Faerie Wicca Tarot), the art here is more like Llewellyn bookcover art–not a *bad* thing, but it may be a turn-off to those who object to “Barbie Witch” images. The cards are a good size, easy to handle. The image on the back of the card could’ve been better chosen, as it’s then far too easy to tell if a card is reversed. (But then, I lay out all my cards face up when doing most spreads, so this is less of a factor for me, and this is hardly the only deck with this problem.)

The Minor Arcana are not labeled clearly, so it can be easy to mistake one suit for another. My major complaint with this deck is that one really *does* need the full-size book(s) to work well with the design of this deck–and that particular book is not sold seperately any longer, which is a major aggravation for those who bought just the deck. Ideally, one should have *both* of Reed’s books, “The Witch’s Tarot” and “The Witch’s Qabalah” to get a grip on the Qabalah symbolism *as used in this deck*. (I know there are those who feel the connection to Qabalah borders on inaccurate.)

*That* is what annoys me: after paying for the deck (or kit, if you’re a smarter shopper than me) then having to go out and buy additional books that apply *only* to one deck and require some considerable study. TWQ is *not* a quick afternoon read. Spending that much money is a considerable investment, and not knowing that in advance can come as a rude shock–and smack overmuch of a cheap commercial gimmick. Ideally, something packaged as a “kit” should have *all* the basic materials–or the product should be able to stand alone, without recourse to supplemental materials.

This is not a pick-up-and-go deck. It requires study, of new material not usually connected with Tarot. (And by ‘study,’ I mean *study*, as in the equivalent of a full continuing ed. class) I consider this an advanced deck, and highly specialized.

With all these caveats, I’d have to say this deck works best as a personal deck (I use mine for contemplation and guidance along my personal spiritual path) and readings for those you might regularly share ritual with. In that area, this deck is wonderful, and I reserve this deck for that purpose alone (which, in my experience only improves the accuracy). For general readings, I’d recommend another, more generalized deck, such as the Universal Waite, Tarot of the Old Path, or similar decks.

Awesome-awesome-awesome illustrations! The deck has full, life-like illustrations that extend all the way to the edge of each card, unlike some decks. Illustrations are not ‘cartoonie’ like the Tarot of the Witches, which are gruesome.The only possible down-fall of this deck, is that you should read the companion book. The deck is based on Quaballa(a Jewish mixed with Wiccan tradition), and if you were like me and knew nothing of it, then you will have to read the companion book. The illustrations are based on the Quabala system and the spheres in the Tree of Life(Major Arcana only).After reading the book, the cards are more easily understood. Plus the author states once the cards start giving off another meaning other than what is in the book, to throw the book out (not literally of course), which I applaud.Some cards which are different in this deck would be: Seeker (traditionally the Hermit), High Priest (traditionally the Hierophant), Horned One (traditionally the The Devil).

“Integral Tarot – CD Treasure Chest” is as advertised – a treasure! This seven CD set, from author/teacher Suzanne Wagner, acts as a fine compliment to her book “Integral Tarot”, or as a unique stand alone. Although not intended as such, there is a specific market that will benefit from this format, and that is those that are sight impaired. Why does this come to my mind? Because I am currently doing teleconferences with a small group of sight impaired students that use the Thoth Tarot as their working deck!

It is such a joy to be able to sit back and listen to the Tarot. I love reading, and do have Suzanne’s “Integral Tarot” book, but I find that I can totally relax when listening to these CD’s. Her voice is soft and flowing, lending quality to an already quality product.

The cards can be accessed individually, or you can sit back and listen to them in order (they are listed by disk in the LWB that accompanies the CD’s). You can listen to them in the car, at work, or anywhere else that you wish to take them. (In my mind, I see myself listening to them while sitting out in my back yard on a nice day.)

They lend themselves to individual work, or can be used in a group setting. As a wonderful bonus, Suzanne has included her Yes/No Spread, as well as her modifeid Celtic Cross Spread in the accompanying LWB.

I certainly hope that this is the wave of the future for Tarot – that we incorporate technology in all forms into our ancient archetypes!

The ease of listening to Suzanne’s soothing voice while she narrates her Tarot book only adds to the experience of her teachings. By being able to listen to her in the car,or at home in addition to reading the text, I have found that the deeper interpretations of the deck have come much easier and more quickly in my busy day. It also helps to be able to look at the individual cards, while listening to her narration as you study the deck. The indexing on the CD’s enables you to review each card individually until you have mastered it. I couldn’t recommend it more!!!

Wonderful concept! While your left brain does the details of driving and is therefor occupied, your right brain can focus on the tarot-you arrive smarter and in tune with the “flow”. This book on CD is a wonderful assest to learning. There is such a wealth of information, desire to help heal, grow and mature that it is truly a treasure. I highly recommend it.